DC Food Vendor Supports Crackdown on Unlicensed Vendors to Showcase City Correctly
It appears that the District has been taking notice of noncompliant food trucks near the National Mall, towing away 32 trucks and issuing 46 citations.
The crackdown by the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) came after WUSA9 exposed a National Mall food vendor who was charging $22 per ice cream cone, according to receipts from an Arlington woman who had been visiting with her children.
"I said, 'Can I get four ice cream cones vanilla?' and I said, 'How much is that?' and he just turned around and started doing, you know, getting it together," Melissa Hayes explained in April.
And since then, DLCP told WUSA9 they've received 67 complaints related to vending in the area.
Well, it turns out this "bad vendor behavior" extends beyond pricing as the DC DLCP also accused noncompliant food trucks of health code violations.
"This wasn't just about enforcement," the DLCP said in a statement. "It's about protecting public health, supporting legitimate vendors, and ensuring a safe, fair experience for the thousands of tourists and residents who visit the National Mall every day."
RELATED: 'I was thinking maybe it was a mistake' | Arlington woman says her family was charged $88 for four small cups of ice cream on the National Mall
Doing things the right way
Mitri Zalaf, a licensed food truck owner, runs DC Food Wagon. He started it up about a year ago.
"I have the love for food. I cook all the time, so I have plenty of flavors in my head," he told WUSA9 Thursday night.
He told WUSA9 he welcomed the crackdown, but emphasized that most vendors are just trying to do things the right way.
He said he's passed all health and safety inspections and built his truck "by the code", including electric, propane, and water systems required by the city.
"They checked everything. Every single thing," Zalaf said. "Everything passed, because I built my truck by the code. I'm a licensed businessman."
DLCP officials said their goal is to level the playing field for licensed vendors who pay fees and comply with regulations.
Zalaf said he believes customers also have a role in protecting themselves.
"Shop smart," he said. "Nothing wrong with the customer asking the price, asking for a receipt, or asking for a discount."
RELATED: $22 soft serve? Ice cream prices near the National Mall spark outrage
Zalaf said that when vendors take advantage of tourists, it reflects poorly on everyone who works the Mall legally.
"Sometimes people act like we're trying to steal from them," he said. "I tell them — No, sir, that's the price. And I explain everything up front."
DLCP emphasized that most vendors want to do things right and said the department also used the sweep as an opportunity to speak directly with unlicensed operators to explain how to get compliant.
In an email Zalaf sent to city officials, after their crackdown, he thanked inspectors for their approach and professionalism.
"They did a good job," Zalaf said. "Not all of those trucks are illegal, some may have just made a mistake. But it's good to set the standard."
Zalaf also made a plea to his fellow vendors.
"We are working in this city. We are making money in this city," Zalaf said. "Please, just present the city the right way. It's not just about the money, it's about representing the place we work in."
DLCP says additional sweeps may be planned throughout the summer.
If you've experienced "bad vendor behavior," you can file a complaint here.
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